As city’s go, Edinburgh has plenty to offer when it comes to restaurants, including a number of spots with outside seating. With its cobbled streets and castle vistas, there are plenty of excellent spaces across the Scottish capital where you might want to sit back, drink in hand, and take in the views. These restaurants allow diners to take full advantage of the warmer weather during the summer, rather than being stuck inside whilst the sun's shining.
Given Scotland’s cool climate, outside dining in Edinburgh isn't limited to those sunny months. Not phased by the cold, outdoor dining is popular all year round, with plenty of spaces offering terrace seats no matter the weather. As long as it’s not tipping it down, outdoor dining is still on the cards in Edinburgh. Even if the heavens do open, there’s always the option of a covered area.
Another benefit of outdoor dining in Edinburgh is that it gives you a further chance to take in the stunning, historic city while you eat. We're all about combining your site-seeing tour with a meal or two, so why not stop off for a coffee or cocktail with idyllic castle views, or even grab a bite to eat down the city's Royal Mile. Be warned, outdoor areas often book up weeks in advance, so if you see something that strikes your fancy then be sure to book it quickly!
We’ve scoured the city to round up Edinburgh’s best outdoor restaurants so that you can easily find an al fresco spot that suits your needs. Whether it’s outdoor fine dining you’re looking for, a terrace with a view, or simply a fantastic beer garden which offers food, one of these al fresco spots in Edinburgh is sure to tickle your fancy.
Timberyard
![the outside seating areas at Timberyard]()
What: A favourite among Edinburgh locals and visitors alike, Timberyard is a restaurant that oozes cool, partly due to the fact that it’s based in a converted 19th century warehouse, but also because of its exciting, contemporary menu. The family-run restaurant also boasts an enclosed yard out the back which acts as a sun trap during the summer and is the perfect place to enjoy the exquisite food on offer.
Where: 10 Lady Lawson Street, EH3 9DS
Book now: Timberyard
The Devil's Advocate
![the outside seating areas at The Devil's Advocate]()
What: Tucked away down a small street off the busy Royal Mile, The Devil's Advocate is somewhat of a well-kept secret. This former Victorian pump house offers a menu of seasonal Scottish dishes alongside a range of inventive cocktails, and over 300 whiskeys. Its trump card however, is its small outdoor area consisting of just a few tables where you can eat and drink while feeling totally immersed in all things Edinburgh.
Where: 9 Advocate's Close, EH1 1ND
Book now: The Devil’s Advocate
Scotts Kitchen
![the outdoor terrace at Scott's kitchen]()
What: Just a moment’s stroll from several of the city’s top landmarks, Scotts Kitchen offers all-day dining with its south facing terrace to allow you to make the most of the sun. Menus here are seasonal, and Scottish, boasting produce from around the country with mussels from the Shetland Isles, lobster from East Lothian and ice cream from Aberdeenshire. The perfect spot to sit back and soak up a few rays.
Where: 4-6 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL
Book now: Scotts Kitchen
Angels with Bagpipes
![the outside seating area at Angels with Bagpipes]()
What: If eating in and among the hubbub is your thing, the outdoor area at Angels with Bagpipes will be right up your street. Based at the heart of the Royal Mile, the few tables out the front of this much lauded Scottish restaurant are primely positioned for people-watching. Tuck into dishes such as 12-hour braised beef with potatoes while the bells of St Giles ring from above.
Where: 343 High Street, EH1 1PW
Book now: Angels with Bagpipes
Monteiths
![the outside seating areas at Monteiths]()
What: Monteiths is another restaurant nestled away down the backstreets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Head down a tunnel made of twigs and decorated with fairy lights to find the restaurant’s small courtyard area. Here you can tuck into hearty Scottish dishes including hand dived scallops and pan roasted salmon while sitting under the stars – the ideal setting for a romantic meal out.
Where: 61 High Street, EH1 1SR
Book now: Monteiths
Chaophraya
![the outside seating area at Chaophraya]()
What: Providing customers with incredible rooftop views towards Edinburgh castle, Chaophraya on Castle Street is the place to go for a sophisticated Thai meal. However, an added bonus at Chaophraya is that it has an outdoor section with a retractable roof meaning that as soon as the weather allows, you can stuff your face with pad Thai while sitting in the open air.
Where: 33 Castle Street, EH2 3DN
Book now: Chaophraya
Cold Town House
![the outside seating area at Cold Town House]()
What: Edinburgh Castle is one the city’s most recognisable sites and Cold Town House’s rooftop terrace offers some of the finest views you could wish for of the landmark. The après ski-themed outdoor area comes complete with gondola seats and vintage Nissan van-cum-bar, with food options at Cold Town House ranging from Neapolitan-style pizzas to hanging grills. Make sure to try one of the in-house brews with your food too.
Where: 4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU
Book now: Cold Town House
Rose Street Garden
![the outside seating at Rose Street Garden]()
What: The outside terrace at Rose Street Garden will have you feeling like you're somewhere a bit more tropical, tucked away amongst the site's eye-catching flora and fauna. Menus here are mixed, so there’s truly something for everyone, from bao buns to loaded fries to small plates of satay chicken and whipped feta. Pair that with a theatrically over-the-top cocktail and you’ve got yourself a decent spot for summer.
Where: 16 Rose Street, EH2 2PF
Book now: Rose Street Garden
McLaren's on the Corner
![the outside seating area at McLaren's on the Corner]()
What: We’re a fan of any restaurant which thinks of an innovative way to make their outdoor area weather proof and that’s exactly what McLaren’s on the Corner has done. You'll even find McLaren's famous ski gondola installations, offering extra seats in the garden where you can sit and enjoy the all-day food menu, while imagining you’re skiing in Courchevel.
Where: 8 Morningside Road, EH10 4DD
Book now: McLaren's on the Corner
The Ivy on the Square
![the outside seating area at The Ivy on the Square]()
What: You can never go wrong with a meal at The Ivy and it’s no different at the impressive glass-fronted Edinburgh outpost. Featuring a small outdoor area which overlooks the greenery of St Andrew’s Square, The Ivy on the Square serves an all-day menu of British classics which are sure to keep you warm even on the coldest Edinburgh days.
Where: 6 St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
Book now: The Ivy on the Square
The Blackbird
![the outside seating areas at The Blackbird]()
What: From the outside there are no clues to the beer garden hiding out the back of The Blackbird on Leven Street. However, once you’ve found your way through to the pub’s colourful decked area, you’ll find yourself wanting to stay there all day long. We suggest heading here at the weekend for a couple of The Blackbird’s signature, and slightly wacky, cocktails. Peanut butter old-fashioned anyone?
Where: 37-39 Leven Street, EH3 9LH
Book now: The Blackbird
Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie
![the outside seating area at Harvey Nichols]()
What: Harvey Nichols never fails to impress with its stylish restaurants and that’s no different in its Edinburgh store. The cleverly named Forth Floor Brasserie has wonderful views of Edinburgh castle and a few tables out on its balcony, meaning that you can dine outdoors with St Andrew’s Square below you. Why not really turn the style on and book in here for an al fresco afternoon tea?
Where: 30-34 St Andrew Square, EH2 2AD
Book now: Forth Floor Brasserie
The Sheep Heid Inn
![the outside seating area at The Sheep Heid Inn]()
What: For those who don’t mind a bit of a walk from the city centre, The Sheep Heid Inn at Duddingston is well worth the trip. Found on the Eastern side of Arthur’s Seat, this charming boozer is bursting with character and serves a mean Sunday roast. Its enclosed beer garden is at its best when the sun’s beating down but also has covered areas for wetter weather.
Where: 43-45 The Causeway, EH15 3QA
Book now: The Sheep Heid Inn
Black Ivy
![the outside seating area at Black IVy]()
What: Black Ivy’s stunning location on the edge of the Bruntsfield Links is appealing enough as it is, but when you add in the fact that the bar and restaurant also has a gorgeous terrace, coming here for dinner becomes a no-brainer. Al fresco dining and drinking isn’t just limited to the summer at The Black Ivy either, as there are heaters and canopies on hand to keep you good and toasty.
Where: 4 Alvanley Terrace, EH9 1DU
Book now: Black Ivy
Indigo Yard
![the outside seating area at Indigo Yard]()
What: Found in the heart of West End, Indigo Yard is a restaurant and bar that has been serving up popular food and craft beer to the people of Edinburgh since 1996. Boasting a large, covered outdoor area, Indigo Yard unsurprisingly gets pretty busy particularly during the summer, so get here early if you want to guarantee yourself a table outside.
Where: 7 Charlotte Lane, EH2 4QZ
Book now: Indigo Yard
Looking to take a bit of a foodie tour of the city? Check out some of the best restaurants Edinburgh has to offer.